Entering Canada from the west coast of the United States means encountering this arched pedestal in what's called the Peace Park. The ridiculous part is that the customs line is so long that folks have time to get out, go to the restroom, take pictures around the park and then, get back in the car to pass inspection - Why are you entering Canada? How long are you staying? Blah, blah, blah. Passports are given back to you and then, you're on your way - goodbye Vancouver, WA and hello Vancouver, BC! The drive from Seattle area was about 3 hours, I think and getting from the border to downtown Vancouver was like 40 minutes.
Our spot, the Rosedale on Robson Street was nice. It took a minute to find it - cause one side of the street said "Hamilton" (the street we were looking for) and the other side said something else. It was a 2bdr condo with a pullout queen sofa, 2 tvs, cable, a dvd (good for Johari to watch "Happy Feet" every night) and a kitchenette area. The view from my bedroom was awesome - floor to ceiling windows revealed the great architecture of the public library. Johari and I quickly broke the place in - jumping up and down on the bed!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
We grabbed some groceries adn then headed to Stanley Park. Stanley Park was amazing. I was a little loopy though cause I wasn't feeling well, but I took a tylenol and held out like a trooper. There's something therapeutic about nature....being surrounded by plants, birds and trees...walking the grounds that First Nations (indigenous Canadians) first tread upon. I don't think I've ever seen trees as big as those in real life. As a child I'd read about the redwoods in California or as an adult saw the fictional trees of Lord of the Rings, but I was never up close and personal. They almost looked prehistoric...maybe some of them were. Along one path there were some exposed stumps where trees had decayed and been cut down...I ran my fingers across the rings and remembered that scene in Roots: The Next Generation where they used a tree stump to mark the generations of their family back to slavery. It was moving.
Later, we came upon a clearing that led to the famous totem poles of Stanley Park. It was like the opening to paradise! These majestic structures told of native struggles and experiences to worldwide visitors! The walk along the water (covering the perimeter of the park) offered wonderful views of the mountains and the city, but also called to mind the San Francisco Bay area, but also reminded me of the moutain top views in Montreal or the views from the elevations along the Niagara River. It left me with a distinct impression that Vancouver is like a cross between California, Seattle and England. It is a diverse city with what appeared to be an Asian and European dominated population. The rainy cloudy days were a throwback to Washington and parts of Europe. The Aussie and British accents and restaurant offerings made it clear why this is called BRITISH Columbia.
I was a lazy bum tonight...content with watching "16" (the Canadian cartoon I'm addicted to...it plays on their version of the Cartoon Netwwork). Last year, I became addicted to that, Robot Chicken (American cartoon) and this other Canadian cartoon that no longer comes on. Johari and Jill had other plans. Johari was happy to model her new swimsuit she was about to try out downstairs. When she got back it was time for a bath, a little scaring game with me and then, Happy Feet.
Monday, July 28, 2008
I was a little homesick again today...a symptom I don't believe would occur in Ontario. Even when it was rainy there, I was disappointed but not ready to go home! The feel is different here...colder, less welcoming than Ontario. Idk if it's a colder, American feel or a cold European feel. It's not as cold as Montreal though...that might be impossible...you could cut the racism with a knife it was so thick out there! The weather is a downer...I am told that it was hot for 3 weeks before I got here and it's gonna be hot after I leave! Great! I hope the week gets better and that Victoria will offer relief from the humdrum of BC...although shopping may cheer me up, too.
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